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Wednesday, April 05, 2006

She was never without a hint of a smile,and she was always first through the gate each morning.

That's what happens on a farm--animals inevitably die. But, at least for this farmgirl, even after 12 years it hasn't gotten any easier. Some people would no doubt say I let myself get too close to my critters, but I don't feel that way. They are my constant companions, my dear friends, my family. The joy that knowing them brings me is immeasurable, and that, unfortunately, means losing one hurts so much more. And while I try not to play favorites, some of them just work their way deeper into your heart than others. Lucky 13 was in there pretty deep.

Yesterday morning I thought Lucky 13 was in the early stages of labor. As the day went on, it became increasingly clear that she was not about to give birth, and that something was very wrong. I poured through my books, comforted her the best I could, and administered to her around the clock. When I went to check on her a little while ago, she was gone. I'll never know for certain what the problem was. But I know without a doubt that it will be quite some time before I stop looking for her smiling face making its way toward the barn gate each morning. The photo above was taken on July 14, 2005 but never posted. Please click here if you'd like to see one of my other favorite photos of Lucky 13.

37 comments:

Oh Farmgirl. I am so sorry. Gosh. I was moved to tears twice today on blogs. The first with happy news on Orangette, and the second with the loss of Lucky 13 here. Blogs are an amazing thing -- we become attached to otherwise perfect strangers -- but I hope that you know that all of us out here are so thankful for your blog and for all of your wonderful critters. God bless Lucky 13.

I'm so sorry, Farmgirl. What a beautiful creature she was. Maya's right - we your readers are so blessed to have had her be a part of all we haved learned and loved from you and your blog. My condolences.

Condolences from another farm girl in Wyoming.. I have lost many over the years and it always seems the ones you are most attached too, because they do become family. Never the "buggers"! Lucky 13's smile will always be with you! Her spirit will always be with the flock.

So sorry for your loss. I can only imagine your pain, she was a beautiful sheep:) I agree with Maya, we feel like friends that can comfort eachother through the blog lines. I believe this was part of God's plan:))

Oh, dear Farmgirl, I am so sorry that you(we) have lost Lucky 13. Your poignant way with words brings us all to love you and your critters. May you see Luck 13's smile in all the emerging spring beauty.

Farmgirl, I'm so very, very sorry. I had been thinking about Lucky 13 yesterday, wondering if she had a boy or a girl. She did have a beautiful face, her personality shines through in the pictures. These things are so hard, but both of you were so lucky to share time together. And thank you so much for sharing Lucky with us. Look at how many people care about her and you.

Oh Susan, once again your blog goes to the very heart of the way we think and feel. Maya said it best, we are truly thankful for your blog, with all it's ups and downs. I only have one sheep in my life on a part-time basis. He's called Muppet and lives at the same yard as my horse, in fact I just scratched his nose this afternoon, stinky ole fleabag that he is, I can't resist his bleating; so he always gets a few pony nuts for his trouble. Anyway, feeling your sorrow today and shedding a sympathetic tear. You're not mad at all to feel the way you do. Never stop caring for the critters. God Bless. XXX

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